Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 26, 2026
05:30
Roughness Impact of Piezoelectric Dental Scaler on Two Distinct Flowable Composite Filling Materials
Published on: January 10, 2025
1.1K
Overhanging amalgam restorations by undergraduate students
Fauzia Quadir1, S Yawar Ali Abidi2, Shahbaz Ahmed2
1Department of Operative Dentistry, Dow Dental College, Karachi.
Summary
Overhanging amalgam restorations were found in 58% of dental work completed by undergraduate students. These overhangs were more common on distal surfaces, indicating a need for improved technique in restorative dentistry.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Dental Materials
- Operative Dentistry
Background:
- Overhanging margins in amalgam restorations can lead to secondary caries and periodontal disease.
- Accurate placement of amalgam restorations is crucial for long-term oral health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of overhanging margins in class-II amalgam restorations.
- To assess the occurrence of overhangs in restorations performed by undergraduate dental students.
Main Methods:
- An observational study was conducted at Fatima Jinnah Dental College Hospital, Karachi.
- Posterior bitewing radiographs of 150 patients (aged 20-45) with class-II amalgam restorations were examined.
- A total of 1600 tooth surfaces were analyzed for the presence of overhanging margins.
Main Results:
- Overhanging amalgam restorations were prevalent, found in 58% of restorations completed by undergraduate students.
- Overhangs occurred more frequently on distal surfaces (56%) compared to other surfaces.
- A significant association was found between amalgam overhangs and tooth surfaces (p < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
- Approximately 58% of proximal amalgam restorations performed by undergraduate students exhibited overhanging margins.
- The findings highlight a need for enhanced training and supervision in restorative dentistry techniques for dental students.
